Juventus confront NEC’s ‘Dickie‑taka’ as Spalletti’s job hangs

Italian media say the upcoming Europa League tie against NEC will be a crucial test for the Old Dame (Juve) and coach Luciano Spalletti, who is under fire after a first‑season Serie A loss to Sassuolo and sitting eighth after four matches.

Media warn Juventus not to underestimate NEC

According to Tuttosport, Juventus must not take NEC lightly. Dick Schreuder has turned the Dutch side into one of the most spectacular clubs in the Netherlands, delivering its best ever final ranking and forging a tactical identity nicknamed ‘Dickie‑taka’, writes the Sport newspaper.

The ‘Dickie‑taka’ style is attacking, aggressive and almost reckless, built on a high press and an obsessive hunt for the ball after loss of possession. Goalkeeper Crettaz once described it as ‘kamikaze’, noting the risk of imbalance that Juventus could exploit, much as Bodø/Glimt did in the Champions League play‑offs.

The challenge for Juve is simple: weather the storm, wait for NEC to create a weak spot on the flank and strike at the right moment. A boost is needed, and the aim is to send the Dutch back to the banks of the River Waal empty‑handed.

Juventus’ recent slump and upcoming fixtures

Juventus suffered their first Serie A defeat last weekend against Sassuolo and, after four games, sit eighth, five points behind leaders AS Roma and Internazionale. ‘Spalletti under pressure’ headlines the cover of Corriere dello Sport, underscoring the scrutiny on the coach.

NEC and then Atalanta are two very important duels for Spalletti. Italian media expect mercenary Nick Woltemade to start, while Randal Kolo Muani remains a doubt and Kenan Yildiz, Képhren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli are still on the injury list.

Former Juventus midfielder Massimo Mauro, who played more than a hundred matches between 1985 and 1989, says: “Juve is still not a cohesive team and Spalletti is ultimately responsible. When a player like Kolo Muani no longer performs as two years ago, the blame does not rest on Spalletti alone – he must find a way to win games quickly.”